keep clean self, clothing, bedding and mess utensils set an example in this respect keep lightships in a thorough state of efficiency and cleanliness appear in uniform after 8am daily appear in uniform when going ashore on relief days appear in uniform on rejoining ship lash up the hammocks in a seamanlike manner stow the hammocks between 8am and 6pm scrub the hammocks every month air the bedding at every opportunity report to the Master or Mate number of charges left in the firing house report to the Master or Mate number of detonators left in the firing house lock the Magazine lock the firing house report to the Master or Mate that the Magazine has been locked report to the Master or Mate that the firing house has been locked return the keys to their proper places report to the Master or Mate that the keys have been returned to their proper places minimise the risk of injury from fragments of detonators minimise the risk of injury from wire striking members of the crew ring the ship’s bell a few seconds before firing get into a place of safety when the bell is sounded remain in a place of safety till the signal has been fired act promptly impress on all ratings the necessity for prompt action splice on new rope ties for the Lifeboat covers repair a French trawler’s leaking fuel pipe read instructions about shouting at vessels heading straight for the lightship shout at vessels heading straight for the lightship stand watch (4 hours on, 8 off, except the 0400 watch who works until noon) brush out the bathrooms and toilets
mop out the bathrooms and toilets clean thoroughly the galley pump up fresh water brush out the lookout mop out the lookout brush out the port internal alleyway mop out the port internal alleyway brush out the wireless room mop out the wireless room polish the brass on the sea-steps into toilets daily polish the brass on the freshwater sounding-tops in the main alleyway daily polish less visible brass less frequently, such as the normally canvas-covered binnacle wash internal paintwork as required lug up a scuttle of coal from the bunker down in the chain locker make tea for the skipper listen to weather reports exchange weather reports free the over-stiff clips on the escape hatch lids repair leaking pipe from the sanitary salt-water header tank wash down bird splotches from the heli-deck wash down chunks of regurgitated fish from the heli-deck unroll the hammocks in a seamanlike manner calculate distance calculate time of dawn exhibit the main light from a height approximately 38 ft above the water line exhibit a white light from the forestay at a height of 6 ft above the rail show the riding light if the above is impossible exhibit lights from sunset to sunrise exhibit lights from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise in foggy or hazy weather observe any discrepancy or irregularity with regard to the light or fog signal in the lightship on station observe any discrepancy or irregularity with regard to any other Station in sight observe any discrepancy or irregularity with regard to any other lightship, lighthouse or lighted buoy report discrepancies to the Office at the first opportunity enter in ship’s Log whether the light functioned correctly the previous night enter in ship’s Log whether buoys in sight of Station appear to be in correct position keep bent the mizzen sail at all times set the mizzen sail as required keep bent the worn mizzen sail during summer months keep the most recently supplied sail for winter use keep dry all sails return present stock of stay sails to the District Stores submit demands for new sails make due allowance for stretching in giving the dimensions of new sails state that due allowance has been made keep in good order and good repair boats and their equipment turn out one of the boats when working overside coil down the falls of the boat ready for lowering paint the boats remove the pins or bolts of the lowering gear monthly examine the pins or bolts of the lowering gear monthly note in the Log that the above tasks were completed keep watch constantly on deck (two persons, day and night) visit the deck in all weathers (Officer in Charge) to see that a good look-out is kept visit the deck at frequent intervals visit the deck at irregular intervals pay strict attention to the safe riding of the vessel ensure the proper exhibition of the lights ensure the correct sounding of the fog signal when in operation enter in the ship’s Log the actual time deck visited during night watches (Officer in Charge) enter in the ship’s Log the manner in which the Watch Keepers were attending to their duties initial the entries in the ship’s Log (Officer and Watchkeepers) choose either a cloth jacket, waistcoat and 1 pair of trousers, once every 3 years, or choose a fine serge jacket, waistcoat and 1 pair of trousers, or choose a rough serge jacket, waistcoat, 2 pairs of trousers (or 1 pair trousers and a Guernsey) receive cap and badge annually receive overcoat every 3rd year receive one suit of dungaree overalls annually (Masters and Mates of larger-engine ships) choose 1 blue jumper with naval collar and 2 pairs of serge trousers, or choose 1 blue jumper with naval collar and 1 pair of serge trousers and 1 woollen Guernsey receive 1 canvas overall suit and 1 round cap and ribbon annually receive 2 suits of dungaree overalls on joining Service (Probationary Seamen) exercise authority (Master and Mate) pay zealous attention to duty obey command observe strict discipline submit all complaints when Station is inspected or in the ordinary course to the Secretary submit all requests when Station is inspected or in the ordinary course to the Secretary call at the Office only in cases of extreme emergency check that a good look-out is kept climb hand over fist up the narrow iron ladder admire the gymbal which balances the swaying lamp in a rough sea work the cable holders of the windlass weekly lubricate the cable holders of the windlass weekly enter in the ship’s Log that the above work has been carried out keep in perfect working order the spare anchor secure thoroughly the spare anchor keep free the anchor ports keep a suitable axe in a convenient place for cutting away lashings cut away lashings hove in short the cable during the summer months (total length 210fm) examine carefully the cable cut out worn lengths of chain replace worn lengths of chain with new 15 or 20fm lengths
enter full details of the above tasks in the ship’s Log when completed send a separate report of the above to the Office carry out regular signal practice exercise commercial code, morse and semaphore signals record all signal exercises in ship’s Log indicate in the Log names and ratings employed in exercising code and signals indicate in the Log the length of the signal practice take advantage of every opportunity to exercise signals when Board’ s steamers in the vicinity practice signalling for short periods between members of the crew, especially morse wash the decks on Sundays and Public Holidays before 9 am wash the quarters on Sundays before 9 am wash the quarters on Public Holidays before 9 am clean the lightning apparatus on Sundays before 9 am clean the lightning apparatus on Public Holidays before 9 am assess whether or not a vessel is in its charted position report doubt about a vessel’s being in charted position to the Secretary inform Commander of the Commissioner’s Steamer if the vessel’s charted position is doubted request Commander of the Commissioner’s Steamer to verify position observe all local landmarks note all local landmarks inside the cover of the ship’s Log operate fog signals when horizon limited to 3 miles operate fog signals if in doubt that the hull or navigational lights may not be visible at 3 miles use the chart with a circle cut round the Lightship having a radius of 3 miles determine the distance of adjacent objects in foggy weather determine the actual extent of visibility use discretion give benefit of the doubt to the other mariner operate the fog signal accordingly obtain useful information observe the time when steamers pass the lightship observe the time when the hull or stern light becomes obscured estimate the speed of a vessel approximately hoist and dip the ensign when a Commissioner of Irish or Northern Lights Vessels is passing hoist and dip the ensign when a Trinity House steamer is passing fly the ensign whilst such a vessel remains in the vicinity point to windward the mouths of fog-sirens and Reed Horns which are not fitted wind the clock every day at noon set the chart so that the pen touches it on the curved line marked ‘mid-day’ set the pen so that it does not bear too hard on the chart set the pen so that it does not bear too lightly on the chart inspect the Recorder at regular intervals put into use in proper sequence the consecutively numbered charts write the name of the Station on the clean chart on the top left hand corner write the date on the top left hand corner an eighth of an inch above the bottom of the chart set the pen to this level wind the clock re-set the chart so that the pen is on the mid-day line if no fog on first day set the level of the pen a quarter of an inch higher on the chart than on the previous day write the date opposite the commencement of this line follow the same practice as on 2nd day on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th days, if signal not sounded remove the chart at mid-day if the fog signal is sounded the previous day place a fresh chart on the Recorder at noon on the 7th day if no fog for some days wipe off carefully ink stains on the Recorder drum with a soft cloth dry carefully the charts when removed from the recorder keep the charts free of oil, finger marks, etc forward the charts to the Office every Monday forward the charts to the Office immediately after every relief (Rock Stations) notify the Office should a Recorder become defective read “9 am” for “noon” and mid-day for Explosive Signals shorten the specified intervals as vessels approach where a manual Reed Horn is used sound the horn continuously should a vessel come dangerously close ring the ship’s bell rapidly for 5 seconds at short intervals between fog signals until collision risk over hoist a red fixed light to each end of the vessel if the vessel is driven from her proper station show a red and white flare simultaneously about 5 yards apart every quarter of an hour strike the Daymark when circumstances permit obliterate the name of Station on ship’s side hoist a black ball at the end of each vessel fly the signal letters indicating name of the Station if unable to strike the Daymark ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds every minute to prevent collisions make 1 prolonged blast, followed by 2 short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes hoist the International Code Signal “You are standing into danger” keep the International Code Signal flying until answered hoist the “I.Q.” (Lookout - Pay Attention) signal fire a socket signal or Tonite charge to attract attention recognise the reply Signals for Day (red flag followed by explosive sound signals) recognise the reply Signals for Night (rockets throwing white stars on bursting) pick up tenderly an injured bird nurse back to life an injured bird recognise other reply Signals for Night interpret sound signals throwing white or green stars on bursting make an explosive signal of 1report every 20 minutes if the attending boat is required discharge socket signals using mid intervals between signal to summon the Tender or Lifeboat interpret the general distress signals for vessels in the daytime and at night interpret the distress signals for aircraft write a report to the Office after every relief state date of relief, name and rating of each member of the crew going on board state name of each member of the crew coming ashore on liberty state name of any rating on the sick list send relief report to the Office relieve the Master every month relieve the Mate every month agree mutually to extend the period of relief (Master and Mate) prohibit crew to leave the vessel except for the preservation of life
prohibit crew to leave the vessel except for the preservation of the Commissioner’s property use discretion in lowering a boat in fine weather for the purpose of picking up papers pick up papers which have been thrown to the Lightship in the case of the Kish Station enter the above in the ship’s Log on all occasions when this concession is availed of remain in the vicinity of the Home Port assist in every possible way to make the relief without loss of time co-operate closely with the Contractor during relief keep an oil bag in readiness to facilitate boat work during bad weather employ oil bag when necessary rest and water a racing or homing pigeon tuck a message on a cigarette paper into a rubber band on a pigeon’s leg state time and place on a message on a cigarette paper tucked into a rubber band on a pigeon’s leg read letters of thanks from pigeon owners rescue a baby seal that is crying revive a baby seal with Nestlé’s Milk open gangway door for seal to flap through and go for a swim lift baby seal back on board with a hoop net greet local padre from the Seaman’s Mission receive from local padre papers, magazines, cigarettes and fresh vegetables keep unending vigil answer to the name of ‘Foggy’ attend Sunday service in the cabin or on deck in summer swim over the side at slack water when ship riding on what looks like a sheet of glass be liable for duty at own Station or any other during liberty ashore apply to the Commissioners’ Service if requiring absence for 6 months or more (junior ratings) apply for special leave with certificate from Medical Officer if serious illness or death of near relative defray cost of a telegram application, including prepaid reply make arrangements for special leave make arrangements to prolong period of duty request special leave request prolonged duty maintain crew numbers at all times remain on board until relieved by a temporary hand report the matter by telegram to the Office report names of temporaries make a note of the temporaries’ qualifications on Report of Relief forms submit special report if impossible to obtain services of a person with the necessary qualifications relieve such a person as soon as possible employ a qualified temporary in his place obtain a sanction from the Office to run a special boat trip, except in exceptional circumstances notify Office of exceptional circumstances without delay notify Office of sanction applied for forward a Report to Office whenever the liberty-men are under the care of the Medical Officer forward a Report to Office whenever the liberty-men are unfit for duty report to the Office the circumstances of an accident to a Rating while on duty write a brief description of the circumstances attaching to the accident give information about the nature of the injuries state whether the injuries could be seen as caused by the Rating’s own wilful act or default state whether absence of duty resulted from the accident state whether there arises any question of liability on the part of a third party exercise at Fire Stations at least once between each relief place 2 printed and framed Station Orders in the Master’s Cabin and Deck House work the portable fire pump at least once a week make an entry regarding the working of the portable fire pump in the ship’s Log flood the Magazine in the event of a fire spreading and becoming dangerously close dump the Magazine to avoid loss of time in flooding if vessel does not carry ammunition understand instructions thoroughly turn off oil supply in the event of a lantern fire in vessels fitted with incandescent gear place permanent bucket of sand in the lantern place permanent blanket in the lantern keep wet woollen cloths in readiness in the fire buckets inside the lantern wring out partially the wet woollen cloths extinguish flames with wet woollen cloths extinguish flames with wet sand exercise at collision stations after each relief keep collision mats in a convenient position attach necessary lowering lines to collision mats attach necessary fore and aft lines to collision mats fit bottom lines to collision mats ready for immediate use dry collision mats carefully after use roll up collision mats put away collision mats record exercising collision stations in the ship’s Log state the time occupied in placing collision mat empty oil into cisterns as soon as it is received on board empty oil tanks for cleaning store unfit oil in special tank or in empty casks retain unfit oil on board until a survey has been held by an Official from the Office receive orders regarding the disposal of unfit oil from the Office dispose of unfit oil observe strict economy in the use of stores observe good management in the use of stores upkeep the vessel in an efficient manner remove with special care the bungs for decanting the oil when oil supplied in wooden casks cut half the bung into two or three pieces with a wood chisel and a mallet remove the pieces of the bung extract remainder of the bung with a pair of pliers use a light hammer if necessary remove the screw plug from oil supplied in steel casks using the key supplied for the purpose replace the screw plug when the cask is emptied decant the oil empty the cask attach to inside of Medicine Cabinet door a printed list of Medical Stores
attach to inside of Medicine Cabinet door directions for the use of drugs, etc submit a demand for any items included in the list which are not on charge submit a Supplementary Demand when quantity of any item is reduced by half purchase Medical Stores locally when replenishment is required urgently report the circumstances of purchase and replenishment in detail seek permission to withdraw anything that belongs to the vessel during relief transfer all stores belonging the Station to the relief Lightship transfer all equipment belonging the Station to the relief Lightship transfer Tonite and flash sound charges and detonators, socket signals and tubes transfer red lights transfer fog signal clocks transfer hammocks and bedding transfer crew’s personal effects transfer provision and market baskets transfer cooking utensils and mess traps transfer water breakers transfer coal bags transfer collision mat and gear transfer medicine chest (complete) transfer official books, returns and stationery transfer library transfer morse lamps transfer lamp glasses and wicks transfer red and white cones transfer canvas and duck transfer cordage and ship chandler’s stores transfer paints and oils transfer methylated spirits transfer brushes transfer cleaning stores transfer anvil smith’s tongs, chain hooks and chain cutters transfer tool chest and tools (complete) transfer nails, screws, etc transfer stage planks transfer submarine bells and hoses transfer charts and parallel rulers transfer dividers, Log slate and megaphone transfer clocks, barometers, thermometer and clinometer condemn the stores keep all articles on charge in the Store Account books whether in use or not, until worn out submit worn out articles to the Inspecting Officer together with a Condemned Store list make out in triplicate Condemned Store list post one copy of Condemned Store list into Store Account book show as expended consumable cleaning articles such as paints, oils, soap, etc, when put into use address all official letters to the Secretary countersign (Officer in Charge of the Station) official letters from members of the crew submit observations (of the Officer in Charge of the Station) of official letters from crew members insert number which is appended to ratings in the Seniority List when signing insert number which is appended to any Lightship ratings regard as strictly confidential all ship’s books, records and official correspondence prepare carefully the returns submit returns to the Office immediately after the relief, on the 1st day of each month submit No. 1 Return for stores expended and received, correspondence, accounts, reliefs, etc submit No. 6 Return for Diaphone and siren fog signal stations submit No. 2 Return, Oil Journal submit No. 4 Return, Explosives submit No. 5 Return, Danger Signal complete forms known as “Incandescent Burner Return” complete forms known as “Acetylene Return” send completed forms above to the Engineer, Lights Office, after each relief hand Census Half-yearly Returns to Chairman of Inspecting Committee when visiting Station in July post Census Half-yearly Returns for January to the Office send to Office Return for Annual Repairs no later than 1st May each year send to Office Return for Half Yearly Efficiency as near as possible to 1st January and 1st July send to Superintendent, District Stores, the Return for Stores not issued through District Stores send to the Superintendent, District Stores the Oil Dockets after each relief send to the Superintendent, District Stores the Explosive Dockets after each relief send to the Superintendent the Store Account Book on completion of March quarter each year apply for new Store Account Book ensure all Stores on charge agree with the quantities shown in the Store Account Book record circumstances under which other boats remain alongside Lightship record circumstances where crews are compelled to take refuge on board by stress of weather employ Seamen who are Carpenters at 10d ph in addition to their pay to carry out minor repairs complete a D3 form showing number of days required to do the above work write a detailed statement of various items requiring repair forward D3 form to Office for sanction before the work is put in hand, except emergency repairs obtain sanction forward full report of circumstances together with D3 form at earliest opportunity forward report to the Office on the condition of the burners when Master takes over duty from Mate forward report to the Office on the condition of the burners when Mate hands duty back pass brush and scrapers through the retorts to properly clean complete a certificate to confirm brush and scrapers are properly cleaned submit certificate with the report to the Office return damaged articles for repair explain how damage to articles occurred forward report to Office explaining how damage to articles occurred report the result of inspections to the Marine Superintendent enter the result in the ship’s Log every time quarters are inspected deal a pack of cards be thankful for the Archimedean ventilator which removes fumes from below deck rise and fall with the tide tease, rib, torment and mimic the other ratings work through the ranks to become Master
handle cotton powder charges with necks prepared to receive electric fuse detonators store the cartridge and detonator fuses in separate Magazines carry the charges in carrying cases from the Magazine to the firing house keep six charges in the firing house at all times for immediate use keep six fuses in the firing house at all times for immediate use bring only enough charges into the firing house for 4 hours’ firing bring in same number of detonator fuses carry the detonator fuses from the Magazine into the firing house separately from the charges place charges and detonators in separate receptacles keep charges and detonators a considerable distance apart in the firing house hook special firing house lantern outside the window when preparing charges at night keep perfectly dry the Magazines keep perfectly aired the Magazines whenever weather permits expend all supplies of explosives in rotation expend all supplies of explosives in the order in which they have been received mark clearly the date of receipt of explosive case before stowing in Magazine keep oldest supplies of explosives near to hand for immediate use remember always that the various parts of the signal are explosive remember that the various parts are not dangerous if carefully handled remember that the various parts are not dangerous if nowhere near fire handle all parts carefully keep parts away from fire protect all parts as much as possible from damp open the neck of the cartridge with the probe supplied for the purpose attach fuse wires to the cartridges insert the fuse into the charge only at the moment before it is attached to the jib and fired insert the detonator push the detonator as far as it will go into the cartridge take the fuse wires in the fingers immediately above the detonator shell twist round fuse wires scrape clean the ends of the fuse wires insert the fuse wires into the eyes of the clips and the jib cover carefully with canvas the exposed end of each wire of the cable at the jib end cover again the two parts, with one outer covering of canvas down to the clips take great care at all times ensure that uncovered parts of wire, cable or fuse, do not come into contact when firing the signal ensure clips do not touch each other explode the cartridge with the dynamo try again immediately if cartridge miss fires (maximum 2 attempts) detach the cartridge if it miss fires a second time detach the cartridge by means of a forked stick about 5 or 6 feet long throw the charge into the sea loop the ends of the cable up through the top eye of the clips cover wires after repairs scrape clean with probe on the inside the eyes of the clips that hold the fuse after being out of use report at once to the Office anything unusual in the firing report at once to the Office any defects in instruments, cables, etc report to the Master or Mate, when firing has been discontinued, the number of cartridges fired report to the Master or Mate any miss fires report to the Master or Mate action taken count the number of charges and detonators left in the firing house report to the Master or Mate number of charges and detonators left in the firing house return the keys to their proper places report to the Master or Mate that the keys have been returned to their proper places act promptly impress on all ratings the necessity for prompt action fire 2 Tonite charges in quick succession every 10 minutes (fog signal) fire 3 explosive charges in quick succession at 10 minute intervals (to summon Lifeboat) fire 1 Tonite report every 2½ minutes, with a brilliant flash between sunset and sunrise (fog signal) sound the Diaphone (or reed) signal together with submarine oscillator and wireless (fog signal) sound submarine oscillator with 6 groups of 3 dashes occupying 30 seconds every 60 seconds (fog) transmit every 6 minutes the wireless beacon (fog signal) flash red light (28,000 candle power) every minute flash white light (70,000 candle power) every minute for 6 seconds, eclipse 54 seconds place black globe over black half globe at mast head group flash every 45 seconds, 2 flashes of 2½ seconds duration, 5 seconds eclipse between flashes keep under observation visibility of islands and lights keep under observation lights from the buoys perform 40 or 35 or 30 days’ duty on board, followed by 20 or 15 days’ shore liberty ring submarine bell, 1 stroke every three seconds (fog signal) sound the Diaphone, three blasts of 1 and ²/³ seconds each with 2½ second intervals blast similarly with Reed Horn if Diaphone out of order fire 3 reports in quick succession every 15 minutes to summon Lifeboat chat to crew by radio on the other local lightships focus the binoculars charge the batteries for the radios calculate time of dusk allow for BST switch lights on at dusk partner one of the four engines with another open the two fuel valves, one on each side at deck level push the cold-start button engage handle turn handle twice, vigorously replace handle switch pointer to second engine adjust voltage on second wheel to 100 equalise the amps on the two engines via the appropriate wheel for each one ascend the ladder switch on seawater pump to fill the sanitary tank on the boat deck wash away carbon from deck using hose wash away gulls’ deposits from the top deck switch off pump
ascend ladder inside the lattice base of the lamp tower heave open the split hatch climb up through the hatch switch down for each bulb send weather report every 3 hours report wind speed and direction report cloud cover report air and sea temperature convert weather report into numerical code switch on generator for compressed air in worsening weather put out 50m of anchor cable haul in the cable in improved weather haul in the cable for regular greasing of the pivots grease the pivots down in the chain locker pass the strop round the descending cable pull the strop across until a length lies athwartships release the strop grab another strop to lay the cable the opposite way shut the ‘sound-proof’ door to the mess during fog signal close the vents in the door to the mess during fog signal identify the birds on board, dead or alive: fieldfares, finches, redwings, gold-crests, starlings throw overboard dead starlings and fieldfares take injured bird down to cabin feed injured bird with a boiled egg to revive it list all the passing sailing vessels in the yacht register (a ketch, a brig) sling a fishing-line over the stern bottle samples of seawater for analysis regularly bake a turkey pie, a curry or a currant sponge cake dry galley cloths on a string over the pipes dry underwear on a string over the pipes paint the accommodation inspect mattresses every 3 months open up at least 1 mattress every 3 months lash bunches of rope ends together at the end of the line sling bunches of rope over the side make fast the swaying rope bundle scrape away the waterline weed with the rope bundle pack ready for relief brush out own cabin mop out own cabin clean the brass with bath brick dust and colza oil polish cabin’s brass handles polish cabin’s brass curtain rail bequeath unused food check galley stove burning well stack gear in alleyway and mess room shift gear up to boat deck ready for loading fly helicopter pennant make ready emergency extinguishers make ready the crowbars dissect the time into small fractions to make its passing bearable crack jokes tolerate the ear-jarring, bone-piercing organ boom in fog chat to seamen from pleasure crafts strut bridge in white uniform spot other ships including Russian fishing fleet endure collision with out-of-control tug towing an oil carrier clean ship for incoming crew before relief clean the engine room grease the parts test for working order catch cod, dogfish, mackerel, skate share your catch pretend you haven’t caught cod assess functionality of reflectors endure boredom miss the birth of your children due to a storm at sea listen to the shipping forecast sleep through the sound of the foghorn remain on call during your weeks off watch the net holding the crew’s food for a month sink into the water chip barnacles off the buoys assess wind direction wait cuss in an unholy manner operate grinding wheel at workbench kick the empty metal bucket down the iron ladder in an emergency consider the watch below when moving above or around the fo’c’sle be self-sufficient pool resources when relief overdue sew shirt buttons on your food bag cook, bake, steam arrange vegetables in muslin nets hang your meat in the pot in a food bag identify your own food bag in the meat pot by a code of shirt buttons sewn on to it respond to the name ‘Peggy’ unlay a strand from a rope wash clothes using the doby observe vessels heading straight for the lightship heave in the cable to avoid a collision monitor the navigation aids using control systems monitor the diesel alternator sets relay status of navigation aids via radio link to a base station
relay status of diesel alternator sets sign for allocation of overalls, shoes, seaboots and bedding browse the navigation chart calculate the visibility of the loom search the darkness maintain a 24-hour watch look out for ships running towards rocks and shallow waters fire cannon fire rockets to warn a ship that is standing into danger gather round the television arrange photographs of own family weave mats in spare time to supplement income construct marquetry boxes fashion containers decorated with pictures of a light vessel construct model ships insert model ships in bottles photograph passing ships photograph life aboard make photo frames select wood and patterns to make fretwork coil rope into doormats make wool rugs for a whole bedroom suite play darts construct a meat safe discover meat safe too small to be brought out through the hatch dismantle meat safe braid strands to create sennit allow your braid to trail into the clockwork drive to the lantern take the consequences for letting your braid trail into the clockwork drive to the lantern accept donations for your handicrafts heat the forge ready to work the outer cable release the main and two bower anchors replace the main and two bower anchors in their recesses turn the handle on the left-hand side of the Spurling gate raise the eccentric roller (Tyne roller) haul in the cable to its shortest riding length every two weeks for examination assemble sufficient provisions of food to last a fortnight leave an order with depot for fresh supplies discharge a white rocket in a northerly direction at 45° if a vessel is on shore to the northward discharge a red rocket in a southerly direction at 45° if a vessel is on shore to the southward discharge a blue rocket in a perpendicular direction if a vessel is on shore to the eastward provide accurate information about a wreck provide refuge for shipwrecked mariners assist Lifeboat in locating a wreck repeat distress signals of other light vessels nearer to the casualty to assist Lifeboat assist with 19th century experiments in communication attach messages to carrier pigeons fire black powder from leeward gun of carronade when a ship is ‘standing into danger’ start the four-cylinder Gardner engine coupled to the Reavell QR compressor by hand engage the clutch connecting engine and compressor close the compressor when the engine has warmed up pump the lower deck air receivers up to a pressure of about 60psi hoist the inverted flag as a distress signal hoist the coded flags (HC, Vessel in distress) hoist the coded flags (NC, Want immediate assistance) grip a stanchion to steady self on heli-deck cast a fishing line bait a hook to suit the state of the tide provide a selected fish dish for supper climb the ladder to the lantern compartment (Lamplighter) clean all the reflectors clean all the glass panels switch on exactly 15 minutes before sunset sit the Master’s qualifying examination (Lamplighter) train in First Aid administer First Aid train in fire-fighting fight fires transmit signals on the radio-telephone (Master only) keep ‘Bad Weather Watch’ listen in to broadcasts from local radio station (Master) listen continuously on the radio-telephone equipment (Master) when the wind is force 7 or over notice distress signals summon aid if distress signals are sighted test communication equipment between lighthouses and lightships count the days until the relief boat arrives watch the barometer weigh up the risks involved in transferring crews in bad weather (Master) consider the welfare of the relieving crew in bad weather (Master) receive a cargo of gifts on Christmas Day receive the local mayor on Christmas Day witness the Christmas turkey and all the trimmings fall into the sea operate a fixed, continuous, steady light (the ‘show’) operate a flashing light, single, the duration of eclipse always being greater than that of the light operate a group flashing, with groups of two or more flashes in succession separated by eclipses operate a fixed and flashing light, varying a fixed light by a single or coloured flash operate a revolving light, gradually increasing to full effect, then decreasing to eclipse operate an occulting light, a steady light with sudden or total eclipse operate a group occulting light, with groups of two or more sudden and total eclipses, regularly operate an alternating light of different colours (red and white) without eclipse hand-wind the clock every half hour (wooden vessel) haul the lanterns down to the deck just after dawn clean the lamps
trim the lamps refill the lamps hoist the lamp up the mast at dusk light the clusters of candles hoist the lanterns on the ends of a yardarm steady the lanterns with guys light the ‘moon-box’ trim the ‘moon-box’ raise the ‘moon-box’ lower the ‘moon-box’ operate rotating lens operate lamp assembly to required sequence of flashes display riding light to indicate which way ship is lying to the tide wash in rainwater cook in saltwater strike Chinese gongs wind the clock every hour and a half heat the mantle with methylated spirit apply a lighted match light the lamp brave a force 10 gale climb the ladder inside the lattice base of the lamp tower open the split hatch enter the compartment containing the lower section of the lantern motor and mechanism switch on main power engage the optic spur gear drive clutch switch on the motor admire a mechanical thing of beauty switch on the bulbs climb up the outside rigging to the lantern cross a yawning gap slip through a tiny door fill the lamp reservoirs with paraffin trim the lamps again save life at sea accommodate Guglielmo Marconi, his assistant and the first wireless communication (East Goodwin) report casualties, using the new Marconi equipment report damage to light vessel after collision repeat signals using the radio beacon every 6 minutes in fog turn the aerial until the signals have just disappeared read the bearing of the transmitting station from the position of the direction-finding loop aerial speak to the Coastguard by radio contact the helicopter by radio when crew to be relieved obey all orders received from superior officers in the Commissioners’ Service (shipkeepers) commence work daily at 6 am or 8am, having had breakfast cease work at 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter report to the Yard Keeper and the Foreman Rigger when going ashore on liberty report to the Yard Keeper and the Foreman Rigger when resuming duty clean the deck paint the deck paint the deck fittings red paint the bollards black paint the hull red paint the ship’s name in white lettering with black edging touch up paint on outside of hull suggest wallpapering the cabin scale the ship’s plating (only with sanction) clean off weed from the waterline (only with sanction) oil anchor ports free anchor ports oil wash ports free wash ports oil the windlass clean the windlass ensure windlass in good order with working party arranged by Foreman Rigger place life-boat in the water occasionally during hot weather place life-boat in the water throughout the summer place cutter in the water occasionally during hot weather place cutter in the water throughout the summer wet down ship’s decks daily throughout the summer pay attention to condition of pumps pay attention to condition of hose keep a particularly vigilant look-out on deck to see that windlass gypsy is holding keep a particularly vigilant look-out to see that no slipping is taking place in head moorings slip the stern moorings if necessary in bad weather hail the ship to leeward if need to slip the stern moorings inform the ship of intended action sprint forward from the watch hut to rotate the foghorn take responsibility for ship’s stores and gear keep correctly the Store Account Book invoice any articles sent ashore to District Stores inform the watch on board the next ship or ships before leaving deck for prolonged periods inform the watch on board the next ship or ships before turning in keep a look-out for both ships until relieved show riding lights from sunset to sunrise ring rapidly the bell for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than a minute if Harbour fog get ready for immediate use the fire pumps at 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter get ready for immediate use the hoses at 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter get ready for immediate use the buckets at 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter paint marker buoys clean marker buoys replace channel marker buoys maintain awareness of the possibility of an accident to the boat at the landing steps
maintain awareness of the possibility of being unable to regain the ship in certain weather inform Lightshipmen of this Order when the latter join Spare Lightships make application in the case of family members having occasion to deliver messages create a ‘melancholy bleat’ using compressed air fit conversation in between Diaphone blasts operate nautophone insert 2 bars in the holes in the ratchet arrangement above the barrel work the windlass using 2 bars in a see-saw motion work the bars on a ratchet and pawl mechanism in a fore and aft direction work the air-driven Brown Harfield windlass use the control handle on the starboard side flake down the cable arrange the cable neatly from side to side open and close the slotted ventilators in the lantern room ensure lamps burn continuously clean birds’ blood and grease from the lantern glass cook in salt water when unable to afford fresh water bring aboard paraffin barrels sit up the mast in the lantern in a gale of wind to trim the light sling hammocks in the fo’c’sle keep kettle boiling at all times polish the brass on the oil lamps in the fo’c’sle pace the deck tread lightly talk in low voices to avoid waking the watch below coal the fire scrub round the waterline where the weed grows touch up with paint the 6’ white letters on the side of ship endure enemy attack resort to sounding Chinese gong in fog (in the case of accident to fog trumpet or engine) fill a range of drawers with requisites for the lantern (wicks, cotton waste, meshes) store a goodly supply of blue lights, magnesium rockets and powder for firing distress signals store the charges for the carronades with the signal rockets fire a carronade smartly store in lockers staple foods such as flour, peas and bread rotate a wheel by hand to generate air pressure of 5psi pump a treadle by foot attached to a tall upright cylinder at the stern release the pressure through the reed at the appropriate moment give 2 blasts of each of 4 seconds’ duration observe absolute regularity remove the reeds (either 5lbs or 15lbs) store the reeds in a box release the windlass in an emergency pull the lever once to release the anchor restraining chain lower the lantern at dawn climb the ratlines to service the lamp haul stores aboard using davit haul the lantern aloft operate manually the davits and falls mount the side winches on port and starboard quarters haul aboard water haul aboard oil hoses salt the joints of beef hang the beef joints under the anchor ‘billboards’ in the bow add rock salt to water until a potato can float hoist a sail or signals mount sail or signals in a socket secure sail or signals to the taffrail with a clamp shackle the wire ladders to the block holystone the decks train for an Able Seaman’s Certificate follow the rules observe rank, particularly in relation to sitting near or far from the warmth of the stove open coal sacks push coal sacks through the skylight raise the hatches to the coal bunkers beneath the floor shovel the 2 tons of coal inside the bunkers clean up the coal dust stow food in the lockers make tea for the crew dig out coal from the main bunkers re-stock with coal the smaller bunker by the stove pour hot water from the steamer into a bucket shave a little soap from the block wash up the dishes dry the dishes with handfuls of cotton waste empty the washing-up bucket over the side empty the rubbish bucket over the side devise code for ordering liquor, such as calling it ‘Sarson’s Vinegar’ smuggle liquor aboard collect food scraps from the men at the end of the month (sprouting onions, corned beef, tapioca) make a stew (‘A Pot of Shackles’) bake bread bake dumplings take down the oil reservoirs mounted above each lamp fill the reservoirs with three gallons of paraffin gas oil from a can hauled aloft trim the wicks clean the glass chimneys polish the glass chimneys immerse the tips of the burners in boiling caustic soda polish the reflectors with plate powder close the shutters in each of the twelve lower wall and door panels if any sort of wind wind the clock at the appointed time
wind the clock every half hour to keep the lantern revolving wind the clock when you leave the deck to go below attach a balloon to the bottom of the weight box engage the drive to the lantern set the lamps in rotation lower the lantern down the mast in an emergency lower the lantern down the mast for maintenance haul the lantern aloft by chains attached to two winches, fore and aft man the after winch take up the slack of the ‘preventer’ chain turn four hand wheels to clamp the lantern to the mast make an acrobatic leap across chasm between ladder and low narrow door to the lamp room cling to the wire ladder for dear life take courage from knowing lightship men on other vessels are doing the same grip the circular rails watch the water ripple blackly against the vessel’s side re-light extinguished wicks retreat backwards through the low narrow door close the door before the wicks are blown out again crank the foot pedal to pump the Reed Horn while the fog lasts (change-over every half an hour) justify use of the fog siren (for additional payments) insert wooden or iron bars into slots on top of the windlass crank bars up and down in a see-saw motion to drive a pawl over a large ratchet gear wheel establish a good rhythm in cranking bars up and down pay out the main riding cable during heavy weather haul in the main riding cable with the hand windlass when weather improves lift the windlass bars (two men required for the weight) remain on standby stand inside the zone of lightning protection secure the pendulum clean the glass on the borrowed light panels jump inside the watertight compartments on deck in emergency wear high sea boots descend the stairs backwards lock the Magazine hatches steer the light vessel when being towed back to shore for maintenance flood the Magazine deck turn the wheel to pump up row water to fight a fire attach the hose to the mechanical fire tap pump water from below for kitchen remove hats in the mess room climb the escape ladder turn keys to open valve for firefighting sleep with knees bent in a short bunk that should pin you even when ship rolling in a beam sea wear your black cap for everyday wear your white cap for special occasions interpret symbols on the navigational chart that look like ‘measle spots’ (rocks, stones, shipwrecks) mix ash, flour and water to make a paste for polishing the brass take up on pulleys the bucket of dirty oil shovel coal down to engine room notice how the loom lights the clouds learn trigonometry protect shipping protect life observe the gleam of the lights on Southend Pier pack your sea kit: oilskin, jerseys, seaboots, dungarees, lammy-coat, mittens, mufflers, balaclava pack a small case with shore clothes, toilet gear, writing material, couple of books, personal trifles order stores: milk, fruit, beans, meat, flour, yeast, jam, butter, lard, eggs, bacon, cheese, vegetables receive issue of hammock, tea pot, enamel mug, plate and deep dish board vessel by helicopter form a human chain bring aboard sea kit in two canvas bags bring aboard bedding, blankets and pillows bring aboard your small case pass personal gear and food boxes across heli-deck pass personal gear and food boxes under the semi-visible rotor blades receive the hoses for pumping in oil and water unpack the stores spring from your bunk in an emergency load the lee gun adjust a rocket to its stick observe the flash of a gun from the Southsand-Head lightship, about six miles distant observe the light of the vessel in distress on the southern tail of the Goodwin Sands charge the gun position the rocket get the poker prime the gun dive down the companion hatch thrust a poker into the cabin fire return with a red-hot poker apply the red-hot poker in quick succession to the gun and the rocket answer the Southsand-Head light warn the look-out on the pier of Ramsgate Harbour endure a blinding flash endure a deafening crash followed by the whiz of the rocket as it springs away in a magnificent curve get up another rocket sponge well out load the weather gun seek shelter under lee of the weather bulwarks when the wind composed of penknives and needles observe an answering signal rocket from Ramsgate Pier sponge out and recover the gun resume active perambulation of the deck shout hastily, ‘ Lifeboat close alongside, sir. Didn’t see it till this moment. She carries no lights.’
witness the Broadstairs Lifeboat rendered spectrally visible by the light of ship’s lantern exchange brief questions and answers with the coxswain of the Lifeboat observe at forenoon the wreck of the Germania of Bremen, bottom up, high on the Goodwin Sands shiver above and below stow your food in the mess room locker put the kettle on keep kettle boiling at all times read the framed statement of how to use the Schermuly signal rockets report to Trinity House touch up with white paint the six foot letters on the ship’s side climb the ranks: rating up to Fog Signal Driver, Lamp-lighter, Master keep watch for eight hours in 2 four hour shifts pump fresh water from the tanks below to the header tank orientate yourself by reading the large compass read the air pressure indicators pump the bellows put on the smoke helmet fold the flag appear in British war propaganda film (1940) encounter a pet tortoise feed the canary tat a rug by looping and knotting a single strand of heavy-duty thread on a small hand shuttle appear in a Pathé News film (1950) pump aboard 4,000 gallons of fresh water pump aboard 3,000 gallons of diesel oil bring aboard coal bring aboard equipment endure loneliness start up the fog whistle open the valve slowly listen to the peals of a submarine bell on the new Gedney buoy (more 3 miles away from the vessel) endure bombing and strafing by NATO planes learn a new profanity connect the submarine bell (200lb) write letters to your wife write letters to your children roll uneasily in your bunk contend with sea-sickness moralise on the madness of those who choose ‘ the sea ‘ for a profession
Acknowledgements 1000 tasks has been drawn from a range of official documents, histories of the lightships, autobiographical accounts and recorded interviews. We would like to thank the following people for their generous and invaluable help in finding resources, providing information, and supporting the LAST STATION project: Tony O’Neil, Curator and Trustee, Pharos Trust. Reg UK Charity no.1090325 ‘for the Light Vessel 18 (LV18)’ moored at Harwich; Neil Jones, Records Manager, Trinity House, Harwich, Mick Catchpole, Master LV18, Peter (Moggy) Lord, Coxswain, TH Tenders; Barry (Chad) Scase, Cook, TH Tenders; Nick Walker, Coxswain, TH Tenders; Brian Packham, former crew LV21. OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS Commissioners of Irish Lights (1934) Regulations for the Lightship Service 1934, Dublin, The Stationery Office (1934) BOOKS David Cleveland (2012) Lightships off the Essex Coast and the Story of LV18, Manningtree, Essex Anthony Lane (2001) Guiding Lights: the design and development of the British Lightvessel from 1732, Stroud: Tempus Publishing Ltd D. Wilson-Barker (1899) A Manual of Elementary Seamanship (2nd edition), London: Charles Griffin & Co. Ltd (on loan from Tony O’Neil, LV18) ARTICLES Jack Coote [ ] ‘The Last of the Liveaboard Navigation Aids’ [journal unknown] D.R. Jefferson (1964) ‘The Light Vessel Service’, Motor Boat and Yachting, March 20, 1964 John D. Rogers (c.1989) ‘Last Days of the Light Vessels’ [journal unknown] H.E. Sandey (P.C. Comp, 6485) (1965) ‘Lightships Mark I’, The Uniform, May 1965 DVDS Scotland’s Last Lightship: The North Carr (2007), tour conducted by Mark McGowan ON LINE SOURCES Men of the Lightship - a British propaganda film, 1940 http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/577106/index.html 2-minute PATHE NEWS clip of Tongue LV 1950 http://www.britishpathe.com/video/lightship Above, viewed as stills http://www.britishpathe.com/video/stills/lightship First wireless communication on lightships http://markpadfield.com/marconicalling/museum/html/events/events-i=17-s=0.html Diary entry of a lightsman helping a distressed vessel http://markpadfield.com/marconicalling/museum/html/objects/ephemera/large_image/large_image-type_d__t01280.html History and development of lighthouses and lightvessels http://www.kellscraft.com/ShipsandShipping/ShipsandShippingCh11.html http://archive.org/stream/lighthouseslight00adamrich/lighthouseslight00adamrich_djvu.txt LAST STATION is funded by ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND and supported by Trinity House.